Interior design is one of the most creative and varied career options in the UK, with opportunities across residential, commercial, hospitality, retail and workplace projects. You can enter the profession through different routes, as there is no single mandatory qualification required to work as an interior designer. However, professional training, practical skills and a strong portfolio can help you build credibility and access better career opportunities.
If you are planning to start a career in interior design, knowing where to begin can make the process much easier. This guide covers the key steps to becoming an interior designer in the UK, from choosing the right training and developing essential skills to building a portfolio and gaining practical experience. We have also explained how professional certification can support aspiring designers who want to develop the knowledge and skills needed to enter the industry.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Interior Designer in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, there is no mandatory qualification or licence required to work as an interior designer. Interior design is a flexible profession, so you can enter the field through different routes depending on your education, experience and career goals. However, relevant training and practical skills can make it easier to build a strong portfolio and access better career opportunities.
A degree in interior design, interior architecture or a related subject can be useful, particularly when applying for roles with established design studios, architecture firms or larger companies. However, many interior designers develop their careers through professional courses, certifications, practical experience or by building their own design practice. In most cases, the key factors are your design knowledge, technical skills, ability to use industry software, understanding of the design process and the quality of your portfolio.
Professional certification can be a practical option for those who want structured interior design training without committing to a full degree programme. A good certification course should cover both design fundamentals and the practical tools used in the industry.
At ASDAV, we offer a 6-month complete online Interior Design Certification Course in the UK for aspiring interior designers who want to develop professional skills and prepare for a career in the field. The course includes one-to-one sessions, 20+ case studies, portfolio assistance and placement guidance to support students through their learning and career preparation.
Students also learn industry-relevant tools including AutoCAD, Photoshop, SketchUp, Enscape and Revit, along with other skills needed to develop and present interior design projects professionally.
If you are looking for a structured way to start your interior design journey, you can explore the ASDAV Interior Design Certification Course to learn more about the curriculum, training format and career support available.
How to Start an Interior Design Career in the UK
To help you start your career with the right foundation, we have outlined the key steps below. From developing the right skills and choosing suitable training to building a portfolio and gaining industry experience, each step can help you move closer to working professionally in interior design.
1. Understand the Skills Required
Before choosing a course or applying for jobs, understand the skills you will need to work on as an interior designer. The role combines creative thinking with technical knowledge, spatial planning and client communication.
- Space planning
- Design principles
- Colour theory
- Materials and finishes
- Furniture and lighting selection
- Technical drawing
- AutoCAD
- 3D modelling and visualisation
- SketchUp
- Revit
- Enscape
- Photoshop
- Mood boards and material boards
- Design presentations
- Client communication
- Project planning
- Budget awareness
- Understanding of construction and building processes
- Attention to measurements and technical details
2. Choose the Right Interior Design Education
If your goal is to build a long-term career in interior design and you are still at the stage of choosing your formal education, a university degree can be one route to consider. UK universities offer BA (Hons) degrees in Interior Design, Interior Architecture and Design, and related subjects, with foundation-year options available if you do not meet the standard entry requirements. For example, current courses include Interior Design at the University of East London and Interior Architecture and Design at Nottingham Trent University.
If you are changing careers, already have a degree in another field, or want to enter the profession through a shorter professional route, a specialised certification course can be more practical. When comparing courses, look beyond the certificate itself and check whether the programme teaches design fundamentals, technical drawing, industry software, project work and portfolio development.
A useful course should give you the opportunity to work on realistic design briefs rather than only learning design theory. For example, professional training can cover software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit and rendering tools alongside practical design projects.
3. Build Practical Interior Design Skills
To get your first interior design job or eventually build your own practice, you will need more than an understanding of design theory. Start by learning the basics of space planning, proportion, scale, colour, materials, lighting and furniture layouts. You should understand why a design works, not simply how to make it look attractive.
Once you are comfortable with the fundamentals, move into technical and digital skills. Learn to produce accurate 2D drawings in AutoCAD, develop 3D models in SketchUp or Revit, and create convincing visualisations using rendering software such as Enscape. You should also learn how to prepare mood boards, material specifications, furniture schedules and client presentations.
The next stage is applying these skills to complete projects. Working through residential, commercial or hospitality briefs will help you understand how a concept develops from an initial client requirement into a planned and presented interior.
4. Create a Professional Interior Design Portfolio
After you have developed your core skills and completed a few design projects, build a solid portfolio that shows how you think and work, not just the final renders. Include selected projects with the brief, concept development, mood board, space planning, drawings, material selections, 3D views and final presentation where relevant.
Avoid filling your portfolio with too many similar projects. A smaller selection that demonstrates different skills is usually more useful. For example, you could include a residential project showing space planning, a commercial project showing user requirements and circulation, and a hospitality project demonstrating material and lighting decisions.
At ASDAV, we also help students with portfolio development, so they can present their work professionally when applying for internships and entry-level roles or when starting their own freelance interior design work.
5. Gain Industry Experience
If you want to follow the employment route, gaining practical experience early can make a significant difference. Look for internships, work placements, junior positions and opportunities to assist established designers. The aim is not simply to add a company name to your CV. You want to understand how real projects are managed, revised, documented and delivered.
Some relevant entry-level roles include:
- Junior Interior Designer
- Interior Design Assistant
- Interior Design Intern
- Design Assistant
- Junior Spatial Designer
- CAD Technician
- Interior CAD Designer
- 3D Visualiser
- FF&E Assistant
- Showroom Designer
- Design Coordinator
CAD and technical roles can also provide a useful entry point into the industry. CAD skills are used across interior, set and exhibition design, and junior CAD professionals may work on drawing revisions, digital plans and technical documentation before progressing to more complex work.
As you gain experience, you can gradually take responsibility for individual project stages, client presentations, specifications and eventually complete projects. Newly qualified designers commonly begin by supporting more experienced designers before taking on greater responsibility.
6. Decide Which Area of Interior Design You Want to Pursue
Once you have a solid foundation and some project experience, you can start narrowing down the type of interior design you want to pursue. You do not need to choose a niche immediately, and your specialisation can develop naturally through the projects you work on.
You could specialise in:
- Residential interiors
- Commercial interiors
- Hospitality design
- Retail design
- Workplace design
- Kitchen and bathroom design
- Sustainable interiors
- Healthcare interiors
- Exhibition and spatial design
- Set design
Choosing a specialisation can help you develop deeper knowledge of specific client requirements, materials, regulations, suppliers and project types. It can also make it easier to position yourself when applying for specialist roles or attracting clients. Specialisation often develops naturally as designers gain experience in particular types of projects.
7. Learn the Business and Project Delivery Side
A strong designer also needs to understand what happens after the concept is approved. Learn how to prepare quotations, manage design revisions, communicate with suppliers, coordinate with contractors and keep projects within agreed budgets and timelines.
You should also become familiar with FF&E schedules, material specifications, drawing revisions, procurement, site coordination and client sign-off processes. These details are often what separate a good-looking student project from work that can actually be delivered.
If you plan to freelance or eventually start your own interior design business, also learn the basics of pricing, contracts, invoicing, marketing and client acquisition. This gives you the commercial knowledge needed to turn your design skills into a sustainable career.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Interior Designer in the UK?
Interior design is a practical profession with different stages, from learning design principles and technical software to creating a portfolio and working on real projects. While there is no fixed timeline for becoming an interior designer in the UK, you should generally allow at least 8 to 12 months to develop the core skills, portfolio and practical experience needed to start looking for professional opportunities.
The 6-month Interior Design Certification Course at ASDAV can provide the starting point for this journey. Through structured training, one-to-one sessions, practical projects and 20+ case studies, you can build a foundation in both design concepts and industry-relevant tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Photoshop and Enscape.
After completing your training, the next step is to work on actual real-world projects and gain practical exposure over the following few months. This helps you understand client requirements, project execution, revisions, documentation and other aspects of professional interior design. With your training, portfolio and practical experience in place, you can then start applying for relevant roles, internships or freelance opportunities in the UK.
Start Building Your Interior Design Career
In the last few years, interior design has become a popular career choice in the UK, with opportunities across residential, commercial, hospitality and other sectors. If you have the right training, practical skills and portfolio, you can build a career in the field through a job, freelance work or your own interior design practice.
Explore our interior design courses and masterclasses to find a learning path that suits your goals. You can also connect with our interior design experts for guidance on choosing the right course, developing your skills and planning your next steps. With the right preparation and practical experience, you can start building the skills and confidence needed to shape your career in interior design, whether you want to work with a design firm or build your own practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become an interior designer in the UK?
No, you do not need a degree to work as an interior designer in the UK. The profession has several entry routes, including university courses, college courses, apprenticeships, professional training and assistant-level roles.
A degree in interior design, interior architecture or a related subject can be useful for certain employers, but a strong portfolio, practical experience and technical skills can also help you enter the profession.
What qualifications do I need to become an interior designer in the UK?
There is no single mandatory qualification for becoming an interior designer in the UK. You can enter through a degree, college course, apprenticeship or professional certification, depending on your career goals.
If you want a more focused route into the industry, a professional certification programme can help you develop skills in space planning, technical drawings, materials, design presentation and industry software while building a professional portfolio.
Can I become an interior designer without previous experience?
Yes. You can start learning interior design without previous professional experience. Begin with design fundamentals, then develop skills in software, technical drawing and project development.
A strong beginner portfolio can include residential, commercial or hospitality projects with concepts, mood boards, space plans, material selections, technical drawings and 3D visualisations. This can help you apply for internships and junior or assistant roles.
Is interior design a good career in the UK?
Yes, interior design can offer opportunities across residential, commercial, hospitality, retail and workplace projects. According to the UK National Careers Service, interior designers typically earn between £23,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and role.
Salary can increase with experience and specialisation. Junior designers may earn around £19,000 to £23,000, experienced designers around £25,000 to £40,000, and senior designers can earn approximately £50,000 to £75,000. Actual earnings vary based on location, employer, specialisation, experience and the type of projects handled.
Can I work as a freelance interior designer in the UK?
Yes. You can work independently as a freelance interior designer without a specific freelance qualification. However, relevant training, experience and a professional portfolio can make it easier to attract clients.
If you work for yourself, you also need to understand your tax and business responsibilities. Depending on how you operate, you may need to register as self-employed with HMRC and maintain appropriate financial records.
It is also important to use clear contracts covering your services, fees, revisions, deliverables and payment terms.
What career opportunities are available after an interior design certification?
An interior design certification can help you develop the skills and portfolio needed for entry-level employment or freelance work. Potential roles include:
- Junior Interior Designer
- Interior Design Assistant
- Interior Design Intern
- Design Assistant
- CAD Technician
- Interior CAD Designer
- 3D Visualiser
- Spatial Designer
- FF&E Assistant
- Showroom Designer
- Kitchen and Bathroom Designer
You can also move into related areas such as exhibition design, visual merchandising, lighting, furniture and set design. With experience, you can specialise, manage projects, work independently or establish your own interior design practice.
Asmita Khodankar is an Architect, Design Photographer, and the Founder of Shades Studio by Asmita, bringing over 7 years of experience at the intersection of architecture, interiors, and visual storytelling. Having successfully delivered 500+ projects, she has built a reputation for capturing spaces with authenticity, precision, and an eye for design.
Her work has been featured in renowned international publications, including GoodHomes, ELLE DECOR, and other leading design magazines, reflecting her commitment to creating imagery that celebrates thoughtful architecture and interiors. Over the years, she has collaborated with 50+ clients, ranging from independent architects and interior designers to established legacy brands such as Duroply.
Through her writing, Asmita shares practical insights on architecture, interior design, design photography, and the creative process, helping professionals and enthusiasts alike understand the finer details that transform spaces into meaningful experiences.
